What Is a Dental Bridge and Why Might You Need One?
Think of a dental bridge like a bridge on the highway – it’s designed to fill a gap. This restoration is crafted to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) to the neighbouring teeth or implants. It “bridges” the space so you can smile, eat, and speak confidently again.
You might need a dental bridge in Thunder Bay if:
- You’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease.
- You have tooth loss due to other dental conditions.
- You’re noticing facial sagging or shifting teeth from the gap.
And yes, even one missing tooth can throw things off balance. Your teeth work as a team, and when one is out, the rest start pulling double duty!
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost Without Insurance?
Certain Canadians might qualify for some dental coverage through federal or provincial programs. Additionally, if your workplace benefits or personal health insurance includes “Major Dental” coverage, it could help with some of the cost. For example, many “Freedom to Choose” health and dental insurance plans offer an add-on for Major Dental, which often covers bridges.
Without insurance, the cost of a dental bridge is based on several different factors. While we can’t provide exact information, we can help you understand the significant value this service offers. Your investment in a dental bridge supports:
- Durable materials chosen for both comfort and long-lasting results.
- Custom design and fitting created to ensure a completely natural look.
- Long-term function and protection for your remaining natural teeth.
- Access to trusted dental technology and personalized local care.
Think of a dental bridge like investing in a good winter coat in Thunder Bay – you want it to last, fit well, and protect you from bigger problems down the road!
Pro Tip: If you’re planning on getting a dental bridge, always speak to your insurance company beforehand or ask our friendly team. They can provide an estimate of your coverage, so there are no surprises when you submit your claim. Be sure to ask about any additional limitations on your policy as well!
How Much Does A Dental Bridge Cost In Canada?
The cost of a dental bridge isn’t fixed; it changes based on several conditions. Factors like the type and size of the bridge, any necessary preliminary work, and your individual dentist’s fees all play a role.
So, while we can’t give an exact figure, you can expect the cost to range depending on your specific treatment. Having dental insurance or workplace coverage can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses!
Is a Dental Bridge Worth It Without Insurance?
Absolutely! While it may be a bigger upfront cost without insurance, the long-term benefits are hard to beat. A bridge:
- Is designed to keep your smile looking full & youthful
- Is developed to help eating be comfortable & efficient
- Is created to prevent shifting teeth, jaw pain, & speech issues
Plus, it can actually save money in the long run by preventing more complicated problems like bone loss or crooked teeth that may require orthodontics.
What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
Here’s a quick snapshot of your options:
| Type of Bridge | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bridge | Anchored to crowns on neighbouring teeth | Single-tooth replacement & for patients with natural healthy teeth on either side of the gap |
| Cantilever Bridge | Anchored to one adjacent tooth | Used for when there are healthy teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth |
| Maryland Bridge | Resin-bonded; attached and cemented to the back of natural teeth | For patients missing a front tooth or teeth |
| Implant-Supported Bridge | Supported by dental implants, not natural teeth | For individuals missing 3 or more teeth in a row |
Your dentist in Thunder Bay will help choose the ideal type based on your oral health, lifestyle, and goals!
How Is A Bridge Placed?
- Preparation: If you have healthy teeth bordering a gap, your dentist will prepare these two teeth by strategically filing them down. These prepared teeth will then be used to support the bridge. However, if there aren’t enough healthy teeth or sufficient natural support, dental implants can be carefully placed. A dental implant is designed to be titanium prosthetic root, inserted into the jawbone, that serves as a sturdy anchor for the new tooth or a bridge.
- Impressions: Next, your dentist in Thunder Bay will take impressions of your teeth to create a personalized model. This model is then used to custom-craft the prosthetic tooth (or teeth) and the two crowns, all as a single unit known as a bridge.
- Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being made, a temporary bridge will be placed in your mouth. This is designed to protect your prepared teeth and gums.
- Customized Bridge: During your second visit, the temporary bridge is removed. Your unique bridge is then carefully placed and either cemented onto your prepared healthy teeth or attached to the dental implants on either side of the missing tooth or teeth.
How To Care For Your Dental Bridge
With optimal care, your dental bridge in Thunder Bay should typically last around 10 years, and potentially even longer. Just like natural teeth, bridges require daily brushing and flossing. We will demonstrate how to use a floss threader, which allows you to effectively clean under and around the prosthetic tooth (or teeth) in the center of the bridge. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also essential for maintaining your bridge. If you have an implant-supported bridge, your dentist will provide specific instructions for its proper care.
Common Causes of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is a complex issue, rarely triggered by just one issue. More often, it’s the culmination of several interacting factors that gradually compromise your oral health. Understanding these common culprits is the first step in prevention:
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis): This infection involves plaque and tartar accumulating along the gumline, which triggers inflammation and infection that can systematically destroy the vital gum tissue and underlying bone responsible for anchoring your teeth. Left unchecked, this silent destroyer may lead to teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out.
- Severe Tooth Decay: What starts as a simple cavity can, if neglected, relentlessly erode the robust structure of your tooth. Deep decay creates pathways for bacteria to invade the tooth’s innermost pulp, leading to painful infections that can become so severe and spread so widely that the only remaining option is extraction.
- Trauma and Accidents: Life happens, and sometimes, unexpected events can directly impact your smile. Accidents during sports, unforeseen falls, or other physical injuries can exert forces strong enough to completely knock out a tooth or cause fractures so extensive that the tooth simply cannot be salvaged or repaired.
- Inadequate Oral Hygiene: The foundation of a healthy mouth lies in consistent care. Neglecting daily brushing and flossing, or skipping those crucial regular dental checkups, dramatically accelerates the progression of all the conditions. Without diligent hygiene, plaque and bacteria run rampant, intensifying decay and gum disease.
- Lifestyle Choices: The choices you make daily profoundly impact your risk for tooth loss. Smoking, for instance, severely compromises gum health and blood flow, hindering healing and making you highly prone to advanced gum disease. Diets consistently high in sugar provide a constant feast for decay-causing bacteria, dramatically increasing cavity risk.
The Impact of Tooth Loss
Partial tooth loss can often contribute to further oral health issues like periodontal disease or dental caries for surrounding teeth. Tooth loss extends beyond oral health concerns, impacting overall well-being and quality of life. It is a global issue, with approximately 7% of individuals aged 20 years or older affected. Research reveals associations between tooth loss and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and peripheral arterial disease, attributed mainly to chronic inflammation and altered dietary habits. However, tooth loss has also been associated with cognitive decline, depression, and certain cancers, including lung, head and neck, pancreatic, and esophageal, suggesting the involvement of complex pathophysiological mechanisms that are increasingly the subject of experimental research.
Curious About Dental Crowns?
Whether you want to schedule a consultation or get a crown repaired or replaced, our team at Sky Dental in Thunder Bay is here to help.📞 Call us at (866) 801-3575 to schedule your crown consultation or request an appointment online!
FAQs About Dental Bridges Without Insurance
Q: Can I get a dental bridge if I don’t have insurance?
Yes! Many patients choose to proceed without insurance. Your dentist in Thunder Bay can help you understand your options and plan the treatment based on your needs. We also offer Beautifi® financing, which allows you to enjoy low monthly payments that work within your budget.
Q: What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
When a gap is left untreated, neighbouring teeth can shift, causing bite problems, crooked teeth, or even bone loss in the jaw along with a myriad of other issues previously discussed. A dental bridge in Thunder Bay is designed to help you feel confident and proud of your smile!
Q: How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
It typically takes two appointments as you will wear your temporary bridge for a duration of time before having your final restoration placed. Your dentist will walk you through the timeline based on your specific case.
Q: Are there alternatives to dental bridges?
Yes. Implants and partial dentures are also designed to replace missing teeth. Each option has its own pros and considerations. Your dentist in Thunder Bay is here to discuss them with you and will help you compare!